Chinese Market 2015 VW Passat B8 Caught Unclothed

by Cameron Aubernon

Published: May 1st, 2014

chinese market 2015 vw passat b8 caught unclothed

For European and Chinese customers awaiting the 2015 Volkswagen Passat B8, the following spy photos should hold them until the sedan’s debut at the 2014 Paris Auto Show in October.

CarNewsChina reports the Chinese model in the photos will have a wheelbase 10 centimeters longer than the European version, but both will otherwise be identical. The MQB-based sedan in Europe will see power from an assortment of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a rumored V6 pushing over 300 horsepower under the hood of a high-performance model.

Meanwhile, the longer Chinese version — to be produced by the FAW-VW joint venture as the Magotan — will make its debut the following April during the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show, and will only come with gasoline powerplants due to cities prohibiting diesel fuel use in passenger vehicles. Local consumers should expect to pay anywhere from 200,000 yuan to 350,000 yuan ($32,000 – $56,000 USD) once the B8 arrives in dealer showrooms; no word on what Europeans will pay for their B8.

#ChineseMarket #EuropeanMarket #FAW-Volkswagen #MarketLocalization #MQB #Paris2014 #PassatB8 #Shanghai2015 #Volkswagen

Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

More by Cameron Aubernon

Comments

Join the conversation

6 of 11 comments

Thegamper on May 01, 2014

I recall a time when VW made slightly quirky but unique and interesting designs and had interiors that topped your average camcord by a long shot. I have to say, just about all of VW's current designs are totally uninspiring, perhaps even going so far as to say that VW has the blandest design in the US auto market. I still like a few of their vehicles, but by and large most of the cars they make are forgettable. Its a shame.

Like Reply
- FormerFF on May 01, 2014
  
  Seriously, VW, what's with the bland styling? The new Jetta and this car look like a late 80's design at best.
  
  Like
Arun on May 01, 2014

I love my VW and I have to say - what is so different about this when compared to every other VW out there? Sure there is some different sheetmetal - and this is a redesign according to VW?! Sheesh!

Like Reply
- See 2 previous
- Vbofw on May 01, 2014
  
  Not much is new. This is not a full model refresh. It's a LWB to suit China's tastes (ironic as most Chinese I know don't have exceptionally long legs!). In the case of the North American Passat, the MQB transition will effectively be your standard mid-cycle refresh.
  
  Like
- Lorenzo on May 01, 2014
  
  @vbofw Okay, the longer wheelbase is a bit harder to spot, and maybe it has more rear headroom. Chinese don't need to have long legs to appreciate more room in the back seat, but if the Chinese you know don't have long legs, then you don't know Yao Ming.
  
  Like
- Th009 on May 02, 2014
  
  @vbofw The current European Passat is not MQB-based, it's a facelift of the B6 model (as previously sold in the US as well) and still carries the same 3C type designation. If this is MQB-based (and it should be) then it's a full redesign, in spite of conservative styling.
  
  Like

Recent Comments

3SpeedAutomatic I'd like to see a sedan:[list][*]boxy in shape, avoid the windshield at a 65º angle BS[/*][*]tall greenhouse, plenty of headroom to sit straight up in the back seat[/*][*]V8, true dual exhaust, sans turbo, gobs of torque[/*][*]rear wheel drive, fully independent suspension, accommodate a stretched wheel base (livery service would go nuts)[/*][*]distinctive, tasteful colors (black, navy blue, claret, etc.)[/*][*]more substance, less flash on dashboard[/*][*]limited 5 yr run, get it while you can before the EPA shuts you down[/*][/list]
Bd2 Mark my words : Lexus Deathwatch Part 1, the T24 From Hell!
Michael S6 Cadillac is beyond fixing because of lack of investment and uncompetitive products. The division and GM are essentially held afloat by mega size SUV (and pick up truck GM) that only domestic brainwashed population buys. Cadillac only hope was to leapfrog the competition in the luxury EV market but that turned out disastrously with the botches role out of the Lyriq which is now dead on arrival.
BlackEldo I'm not sure the entire brand can be fixed, but maybe they should start with the C pillar on the CT5...
Bd2 To sum up my comments and follow-up comments here backed by some data, perhaps Cadillac should look to the Genesis formula in order to secure a more competitive position in the market. Indeed, by using bespoke Rwd chassis, powertrains and interiors Genesis is selling neck and neck with Lexus while ATPs are 15 to 35% higher depending on the segment you are looking at. While Lexus can't sell Rwd sedans, Genesis is outpacing them 2.2 to 1. Genesis is an industry world changing success story, frankly Cadillac would be insane to not replicate it for themselves.